HE HEARS US
I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:1-5 (NLT)
Growing up in the nineties, I loved country music. To this day, I can perfectly recite the lyrics of dozens of songs. Perhaps no artist in that day loomed quite as large as Garth Brooks. One of his more famous songs was titled Unanswered Prayers. In the song, he thanks God for not answering his prayers when he was a young man, as he can see with the clarity that comes with time and maturity that what he asked for was not what was ultimately best.
With all due respect to Garth, I’ve always had an issue with the theological accuracy of the song. I don’t believe God leaves our prayers unanswered. Sometimes, the answer is just no or wait. We must do as David says in Psalm 40:1—wait patiently for the Lord.
But the good news is that sometimes God answers our prayers with a resounding yes! He meets us in a moment and rescues us. When God intercedes on our behalf, how can we not praise Him? Once we trust Him that first time, we begin to understand the joys of trusting Him more and more. And even if for a season in this life there are struggles, we know that ultimately God will set all things right. He will establish His eternal Kingdom in its fullness. What a glorious day that will be!
APPLICATION:
How have you seen God move in your life? David is correct in Psalm 40:5 that He has done many wonders. In truth, we probably can’t list them all. But let’s try. It’s a helpful exercise to name your blessings regularly. Write in a journal or note on your phone how you’ve seen A) God answer your prayers and B) how He’s blessed you.
PRAYER:
God, thank You for always hearing me. Thank You for every blessing You have bestowed upon me—help me to grow an attitude of gratitude each day. Thank You for rescuing and saving me. May Your glory shine forth in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?